Jagdeo warns against ’empty promises’, urges embrace of leaders with vision and results

People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday accused the opposition of relying on “empty slogans” and failing to offer credible policy proposals, as he defended his party’s record on tax reform and economic planning ahead of upcoming general elections.

“It’s not enough to say ‘people-centred development.’ You have to show how, with specifics,” Dr Jagdeo said during a press briefing at Freedom House, drawing a sharp contrast between what he called the PPP’s “reasoned and data-driven governance approach” and what he described as the opposition’s pattern of reckless and unsustainable promises.

Dr Jagdeo urged voters to back political leaders who demonstrate “vision, planning, and results.”

“We’ve proven that we can deliver on our promises. Every tax reform, every bridge, every school and hospital upgrade, it’s not guesswork. It’s careful planning matched with sound financial management,” he said.

On fiscal policy, Dr Jagdeo underscored the PPP government’s commitment to reducing the financial burden on citizens. He cited the reversal of more than 200 taxes and fees introduced under the former APNU+AFC administration, including VAT on electricity, water, basic construction materials, and internet services.

“We kept our promise to reverse the oppressive taxes imposed by the previous government. That alone cost us about $50 billion annually,” he said, adding that no new taxes have been introduced over five consecutive national budgets since 2020.

Dr Jagdeo also highlighted key income tax reforms, including the reduction of the top tax rate from 40 per cent to 35 per cent, the standard rate from 28 per cent to 25 per cent, and a doubling of the monthly income tax threshold from $65,000 to $130,000—changes he said have directly benefited tens of thousands of Guyanese workers.

In addition, he detailed new tax credits and allowances, such as a $20,000 monthly deduction per child, up to $50,000 in tax-free overtime income, $50,000 in tax-free income from a second job, and corporate tax waivers for private healthcare and education providers.

“These measures are not slogans—they’re rooted in a philosophy to empower people and create opportunity,” Dr Jagdeo said.